Tex Mex Tostada Soup

Who says you can't cook without a stove? Last night's pot of soup was made in a crockpot minus the clay liner, took all of 15 minutes to throw together and included everything but the kitchen sink. It might have had that too, if we had one that is.

Made from darn near all canned goods, what you really need for this one is a good can opener, a large onion, a few small mini peppers or one big one, and a pound of ground beef or pork.

Spicy, hot and comfort food perfect for 2 very tired souls, it's really all about the toppings although we were limited in that respect. Meant to be topped with corn chips, shredded cheddar, shredded lettuce, avocado and sour cream, our refrigerator is a might bare at the moment so we scored only a few of the choices. Regardless, it's a great solution for a relaxed dinner, particularly with a Corona or ten.

If you're wondering how things are progressing, our new kitchen cabinets are installed and gorgeous, although I won't be posting a picture until everything's completed. The guys from American Kitchen Cabinets did an outstanding job and a tremendous amount of customization to make 'em exactly the way we wanted them. Roger and his co-hort are very professional, exceedingly patient and very particular which is exactly what you want when you're making a big purchase such as this one. 

Big Guy did some electrical work yesterday and installed power to the island. There's some touch ups needed before the stove goes back into place and we've some rather involved drywall repairs to do in the meantime. The stone fabricators will be here early in the week, or by Wednesday at the latest to do a template for the granite and by April 18 we should have counter tops and a kitchen sink so until then we'll be doing dishes in the bathtub. Hey, we're shower people anyway so that's no big deal. 

Meanwhile, JBug's Kitchen is back in business so dust off your grills, break out the sunglasses and margaritas for a week of grillin' and chillin' ...well maybe not the chillin' or then again maybe so, depending on your location that is.

Tex Mex Tostada Soup (from JBug’s Kitchen inspired by Wall Drug Cookbook)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 min peppers sliced or 1 large pepper, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or pork

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons taco seasoning

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 – 16 ounce can chili beans with sauce

1 – 16 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 small jar picante sauce (2 cups)

1 8 ounce can tomato sauce

1 cup beef or chicken stock (or water)

Garnishes: corn chips, grated cheese, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream

Heat oil in a Dutch oven until shimmering. When hot add onion and peppers and sauté stirring occasionally until onion is softened. Add garlic and crumble in ground beef and cook until meat is no longer pink. Add onion powder, taco seasoning and cumin and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, then add chili beans, tomatoes, picante sauce, tomato sauce and stock or water. Simmer covered for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish as you wish.  Makes 6 servings.

Incidentally today's the third anniversary of JBug's Kitchen Antics! Can you believe we're still going strong? We've shared 1,095 meals with you all, some more successful than others I might add but at least they've all been relatively edible.

I definitely need to thank my darling Big Guy for always being so supportive, never mind such a willing guinea pig. He certainly keeps me grounded. He reminds me often when I'm sweating ALL the small stuff (...and I do mean ALL of it) that it'll all be OK, and when it is he only raises an eyebrow, gives me the look and never says "I told you so". Lucky aren't I?

Of course, I can't pass up this opportunity to say thank you to all my regular visitors and to the many great friends I've made during the past 3 years. You mean the world to me and I feel totally blessed, so I'm raising a glass in celebration and appreciation to all of you! Hey, when you're renovating the most important room in the house, any excuse to raise a glass is a good one, right? Thanks all and CHEERS!

Comments

[Lea]

3 YEARS YIPPY!!!!! Cheers to you, my friend! It has been a wonderful ride!
I can't wait to see the finished kitchen - not as much as you are - and the furry friends, of course!
That soup looks like such comfort! Just what is needed in a time like this!

[June]

It has been wonderful and all the better for having "met" you my friend. You've been with me almost from the beginning and I look forward to touching base with you daily. There's such a strong connection - heck, you're like a baby sister!

[pam]

Congrats on you blogiversary! I can't wait to see pics of everything!!!

[June]

Thanks Pam. I'll be sure to post one about the end of the month.

[Lorraine]

I am so excited for you and your new kitchen. I know it is a pain right now, but it will all be worth it in the end. Happy aniversary. I haven't been with you for the full ride, but so glad you walked through my door!

[June]

Thanks Lorraine - you're definitely among the special friends that blogging has gifted me with. It's made me a believer in fate. As for the kitchen, yes it will be worth it and we're so excited seeing it all come about.